The Swifts racked up an impressive midweek 3-2 Mid Ulster Cup semi-final victory over the Lurgan boys, but he knows when Gary Hamilton’s team return to the same venue for a vital Danske Bank Premiership showdown, things will be different.

“Both myself and Gary took the opportunity to give some players a bit of game time – guys who haven’t figured as prominently,” said McAree.

“I would suspect both line-ups will be altered for the weekend. I was happy with the win. It was the start of a hectic schedule for us because, weather permitting, we will play six matches in a 19 day period.”

The Swifts were left kicking their heels last weekend after their game against Linfield at Windsor Park was called off after parts of the pitch were frozen.

“It was a big disappointment,” he added.

“Although we were missing a few players, we were looking forward to it. The game was called off at 11am. I thought the pitch should have been given a bit of time.

“I took in the Glenavon versus Cliftonville game at Mourneview Park – it was a great advertisement for the Irish League. It had everything.

The Swifts will be without injured defender David Armstrong (ankle) and Andrew Burns (chest injury).

Paul McElroy is out for the rest of the season after damaging an ankle in training.